Black Hand was a type of Italian extortion racket. Originally developed in the eighteenth century, Black Hand extortion was exported to the United States in the later nineteenth century with Italian immigrants.
A New York Police Department wanted poster for Black Hand activity, 1910
Joseph Petrosino was an Italian-born New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer who was a pioneer in the fight against organized crime. Crime fighting techniques that Petrosino pioneered are still practiced by law enforcement agencies.
Lt. Joe Petrosino, NYPD, Badge No. 285
Prospero Petrosino (Joe Petrosino's father)
Maria Giuseppa Arato, Joe's mother
Detective Lt. Joseph Petrosiino (left), Inspector Carey and Inspector McCafferty escorting Mafia hitman Petto the Ox (Tomaso Petto, second from left)